Bioinformatics

[Dead_Meat]

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As a student thinking about bioinformatics, does a potential student need intensive courses in computer programming (if the student already has sufficient biology classes: molecular biology, 3 courses in biochemistry, biology of cancer, immunology, etc). For example, C++ or perl or python (Seems those are the key programming languages used by scientists)?

 

[tortuga87]

You don't need those courses as an applicant. You can take them as part of your PhD coursework. Even programming basics, data structures and algorithms if you don't have any programming experience

 

[MiniPanda]

all my research in college has been in bioinformatics, so hopefully my advice is helpful...
how much computer programming experience you need is highly dependent on the project you do. If you want to do something using databases that already exist, or programs that already exist, you're in the clear. And you could come up with a lot of projects within those confines. But if you want to do something new or tweaked, at least basic skills would be VERY helpful. You'll see a lot more opportunities to expand your project, at the very least. I use python, and have been happy with its usefulness. It's a very intuitive language and you could probably teach yourself if you wanted!

 

[obscurehero]

I would suggest you love math before you go into bioinformatics. Whether you're programming or you're examining statistics, make sure you're ok ferreting out new discoveries from behind a computer screen while staring at letters and numbers!

I agree with panda, however. It's very project dependent, and you will have as much time to take grad school classes that you need during your PhD!

 

[Lil Mick]

Check with the PhD programs at the schools to which you are applying. Some may have pre-recs for courses in your PhD years and will expect you to have taken them before registering for classes.